Soapicks March 30-April 5

Music? Now!
March 30-April 1
In its fifth year, MusicNow - curated by the National's Bryce Dessner - is a musical highlight in Cincinnati.  Dessner taps his close friends in the indie music scene for a one of a kind experience featuring three nights of original, contemporary music in Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine. This year Dessner has attracted Bon Iver frontman, Justin Vernon, harpist Joanna Newsome, and New York's St. Vincent as headliners. Festival tickets are available online or by phone (1-800-838-3006). Tickets are still available for St. Vincent on March 31st - all other tickets are currently sold out, however any tickets that become available will be announced via Music Now's twitter and facebook pages. Check out this week's feature on Dessner and the Festival!

Domestic Imports
March 31
Cincinnati Imports makes a valiant effort to avoid the question of 'where did you go to high school?'  The young professionals group comprised of 'transplants' to the Cincinnati area, gather quarterly to socialize and network in their new 'hometown.' This Wednesday they're meeting at Arnolds in downtown Cincinnati. The evening offers free appetizers, drink specials, and as a special treat, the Jameson Irish Whiskey ambassador from Ireland will host a tasting of four kinds of Jameson.  The fun begins at 6:00pm.

Flower Power
April 1
Listen to what the flower people say, and they say stop by the Cincinnati Zoo every Thursday in April for the popular Tunes & Blooms series featuring local musicians rocking the Zoo's gardens.  Local favs Wussy and the Pomegranates kick things off this Thursday. Series highlights also include the Comet Bluegrass Allstars, Newbees, Seedy Seeds, psychodots and more. Admission is free after 5pm (parking is extra), and the show runs from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

We Love a Parade
April 5
Monday April 5th is the 91st annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. History dictates that the Reds are the only MLB team to open their season at home and the Parade marks the beginning of baseball season. Grand Marshal this year is none other than Red's legend, Johnny Bench. The Parade, hosted by the Merchants of the Market, begins at 10:30am at the Race Street entrance of Findlay Market. For complete details, visit here.